The Ravens announced Wednesday that they have made a $10,000 donation to the Community Foundation of Howard County to help Ellicott City recover from disastrous flooding.
The Ravens also donated $10,000 to the United Way for flood relief assistance in 2016.
"When devastation rocked the Ellicott City community back in 2016, we promised to help assist in the rebuilding efforts," Ravens Director of Community Relations Heather Darney stated. "Now that this has unfortunately happened again, and just two short years later, it's important that we continue to honor our promise and support those in need."
The Ravens held a moment of silence for Sgt. Eddison "Eddie" Hermond at Wednesday evening's Play Like a Raven clinic in Woodbine, where they announced the donation.
Hermond dedicated much of his life to helping others and tragically died while doing so. The 39-year-old Severn resident was an active member of the Army National Guard and veteran of the Air Force, where he served for more than 10 years.
As flood waters raged through historic Ellicott City, Hermond reached out to help rescue a shop owner who was trapped. In the process, he was swept away by the fast-moving water.
Hermond's death has deeply saddened many in the Baltimore-area community at-large. Vice President Mike Pence tweeted his condolences and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff in Hermond's honor.
This morning, Hermond was laid to rest at the Church at Severn Run. Hogan spoke at the funeral and it was attended by Ravens General Counsel Brandon Etheridge, who knew Hermond well.
"He died trying to save someone," Etheridge said. "That's the kind of guy he was."
Hermond, who attended Ravens games, is survived by his mother, younger sister and teenage son.
